Japan Deluxe Tours, Inc. 1820 W. Carson St. Suite 224 Torrance California 90501 USA Phone: 310-327-1111 FAX: 310-329-7609 |
14 Nights 15 days Takayama & Villages | Hiroshima Ⅲ |
Day 1
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Welcome to Japan. We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information. Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow. **INFORMATION** From Narita Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 90 mins(Bus) From Haneda Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 30 mins(Bus) |
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar
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Day 2
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The tour begins with a visit to the Fukagawa Edo Museum, offering a glimpse into Tokyo's Edo-era history. The museum accurately depicts life in old Tokyo, transporting visitors to the past. Nearby, Kiyosumi Garden, a traditional Japanese garden, provides a serene escape within the city. We then proceed to the famed Tsukiji Fish Market, known for its bustling energy and variety of fresh seafood and sushi, catering to both locals and businesses. This is followed by a delightful Teppan-yaki lunch. The journey continues in Harajuku, Tokyo's hub of street fashion, where you can shop and enjoy local treats like Harajuku crepes. The tour concludes in Asakusa, visiting the historic Senso-ji Temple and browsing traditional souvenirs in Nakamise. |
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar
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Breakfast Lunch |
Day 3
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In the morning, we'll start at the Meiji Shrine, established in 1920 in honor of Emperor Meiji and his consort. This tranquil haven is surprisingly close to the bustling Harajuku station. Our journey continues through the vibrant Harajuku & Omotesando area, known for its unique shops, tasty crepes, upscale boutiques, and charming cafes, including animal-themed cafes like the Cat Café and Hedgehog Café. Lunch offers a chance to sample local street food. Our tour includes a walk across the bustling Shibuya Crosswalk, an iconic spot comparable to New York City in foot traffic. Then, we'll enjoy a scenic drive through modern Tokyo, viewing landmarks like the new Olympic Stadium, Tokyo Tower, and Roppongi, culminating our day in the futuristic district of Odaiba. |
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar
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Breakfast |
Day 4
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We've cleared up the day for you to enjoy at your leisure. |
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo or similar
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Breakfast |
Day 5
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Today's itinerary starts at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, showcasing the textile masterpieces of Itchiku Kubota, known for reviving the 15th-century Tsujigahana dyeing technique. Marvel at the exquisite kimono collection set in a harmonious blend of Western architecture and Japanese gardens with Mt. Fuji views. Lunch features Hoto, a local noodle specialty of Yamanashi, comprising flat udon noodles, fresh vegetables like daikon and kabocha, in a comforting miso broth. The day concludes with a visit to the historic Matsumoto Castle, distinguished by its black exterior and known as the 'Crow Castle'. This premier castle, unscathed by destruction, houses Japan's oldest surviving castle tower, a national treasure. |
IROHA GRAND HOTEL Matsumoto Ekimae or similar
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Breakfast Lunch |
Day 6
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On our journey to Takayama, we will traverse the Nakasendo Trail, walking the historic path between Tsumago and Magome, two beautifully conserved towns. Here, the ambiance of the Edo Period is preserved, free from modern intrusions like electrical wires and TV antennas. You'll savor traditional wagashi sweets and tea in this timeless setting. In Takayama, our first visit is the Takayama Yatai Kaikan, showcasing the splendor of the Takayama Festival, counted among Japan's three most beautiful festivals. The museum exhibits the festival's elaborate floats, offering a glimpse into the city's cultural heart. |
Takayama Green Hotel or similar
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Breakfast |
Day 7
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We've cleared up the day for you to enjoy at your leisure. |
Takayama Green Hotel or similar
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Breakfast |
Day 8
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Our Takayama exploration starts at the historic morning market, surrounded by centuries-old structures. Immerse in local culture by engaging with vendors and tasting specialties like Hida Nikuman or Gohei-Mochi. We'll also visit Takayama Jinya, a former government office-turned-museum, revealing the city's historical governance. A walk through Takayama's old town showcases Edo Period architecture, reflecting its past prosperity. The trip then leads to Shirakawa-go, a quaint farming village known for its gassho-zukuri thatched roofs and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting Shirakawa-go, our tour heads to the exquisite Kenrokuen Garden. Renowned as one of Japan's top three landscape gardens, Kenrokuen offers an idyllic retreat with its diverse natural elements, including tranquil streams, rolling hills, and an array of seasonal flowers. This garden is a perfect example of Japanese landscape design and provides a peaceful finale to a day filled with cultural and historical exploration. |
Daiwa Roynet Hotel KANAZAWA-MIYABI or similar
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Breakfast Dinner |
Day 9
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We've cleared up the day for you to enjoy at your leisure. |
Daiwa Roynet Hotel KANAZAWA-MIYABI or similar
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Breakfast |
Day 10
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Our adventure begins at the magical Koke no Sato Wisdom Forest, famous for its vast array of Japanese mosses. Here, the Wisdom House offers enriching interactive experiences and workshops in a serene setting, perfect for nature enthusiasts. We then journey to the architectural marvel of the Miho Museum, designed by the famed I.M. Pei. Tucked away in the tranquil forests of Shiga, it presents a harmonious blend of modern and traditional art, enveloped by nature's beauty. Our day culminates in historic Kyoto, where we immerse ourselves in a traditional tea ceremony in Ninenzaka, providing an in-depth exploration of this revered cultural practice, including a hands-on experience in crafting matcha tea. |
Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA or similar
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Breakfast |
Day 11
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Our Kyoto adventure kicks off with a lively rickshaw journey through the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, offering a glimpse into historical modes of transportation amidst calming natural surroundings. We'll then proceed to the iconic Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji Temple, a dazzling sight with its gold leaf-coated upper floors. This is followed by a delightful kaiseki lunch featuring a performance by a maiko, an apprentice geisha, providing a unique opportunity to interact and learn about Kyoto's cultural heritage. The tour moves on to Nara, visiting the grand Todaiji Temple, one of the world's largest wooden structures housing Japan's biggest Buddha statue. Nearby, we'll encounter the revered deer of Nara Deer Park. We conclude our day at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousand torii gates, offering a mesmerizing walk through them or a chance to observe local priests in their spiritual practices. |
Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA or similar
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Breakfast Lunch |
Day 12
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We've cleared up the day for you to enjoy at your leisure. |
Vischio Kyoto Hotel By GRANVIA or similar
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Breakfast |
Day 13
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Today's journey takes us to western Japan, where we will explore two renowned sites. Our first destination is the majestic Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its striking beauty. Often referred to as the White Heron Castle because of its bright white exterior, this castle has retained most of its original structures from the early 17th century. Despite enduring wars, natural disasters, and restorations, the castle grounds remain a breathtaking sight for visitors to explore and appreciate its historical significance.
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Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or similar
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Breakfast Dinner |
Day 14
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Our tour in Hiroshima includes iconic landmarks, starting with the A-Bomb Dome, a poignant World War II relic and a symbol of peace. Nearby, the Peace Memorial Park narrates the war's history, featuring landmarks like Sadako's statue and the Freedom Bell. We'll also explore the Peace Memorial Museum. The local cuisine features Hiroshima's famous Okonomiyaki for lunch. The afternoon brings us to Miyajima Island, home to the Itsukushima Shrine and its 'floating' torii gate, a renowned scenic wonder. Enjoy local treats like momiji manju and oysters while exploring the island's beauty. |
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or similar
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Breakfast Lunch |
Day 15
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Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan. | Breakfast |